Defence Online

New Airbus Space Launchpad

Air February 3, 2026

Airbus Defence and Space has inaugurated its new “Airbus Launchpad” facility in Stevenage, marking a significant expansion of the support infrastructure available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the UK space and defence sectors.

Opened on 29 January 2026, the facility is designed to act as an incubator for start-ups, SMEs, and research organisations, providing them with access to specialised laboratories, workspace, and testing facilities through a no-cost residency model. This initiative is a central component of Airbus’ Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP) programme, which seeks to enhance the domestic supply chain and cultivate sovereign technical skills.

The development of the Launchpad was made possible through a combined investment of £7.8 million. This includes £3.9 million in grant funding from the UK Space Agency’s (UKSA) Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF), which was matched by an equivalent contribution from Airbus. The resulting facility provides a flexible workspace capable of accommodating more than 50 personnel, specifically tailored to lower the barriers to entry for smaller firms requiring high-end R&D environments. By offering direct access to the expertise and industrial scale of the UK’s largest space company, the project aims to accelerate the transition of innovative concepts into commercially viable products and services for the national security and commercial space markets.

Government and industry officials have highlighted the strategic importance of this facility in building national resilience. Space Minister Liz Lloyd noted that the partnership between the UK Space Agency and Airbus is essential for strengthening the supply chain and ensuring that smaller businesses can scale effectively within the UK ecosystem. Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, further emphasized that the SCIF investment is intended to diversify the supply chain and foster homegrown capabilities, ensuring the UK remains competitive in the global space economy. The Stevenage site, already a critical hub for the UK’s space industrial base, will now serve as a primary point of contact for collaboration between established prime contractors and emerging technology developers.

For businesses looking to enter or grow within the UK defence and space supply chain, the Airbus Launchpad represents a tangible opportunity to leverage world-class testing and development resources without the capital expenditure typically associated with such facilities. This focus on collaborative innovation is intended to ensure that the UK develops the essential skills and capabilities required to meet future operational demands. As the Ministry of Defence and the UK Space Agency continue to prioritise sovereign technology development, initiatives like the Launchpad provide a structured pathway for SMEs to integrate more deeply into major national programmes.

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.